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WMU's Tim Lester: mutual respect in rivalry with CMU

Posted: 3:20 PM, Jul 24, 2018

Updated:2018-07-24 19:22:28Z

By:
Mike Foss

Mid-American Conference

Mid-American Conference

<p>KALAMAZOO, MI -- NOVEMBER 1: Central Michigan players celebrate with the cannon trophy following the Chippewas' 35-28 win over Western Michigan on November 1, 2017 at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Mid-American Conference)</p>

DETROIT (WXYZ) -- One of the Mid-American Conference's most heated rivalries also features plenty of respect between the two head coaches.

Central Michigan's John Bonamego and Western Michigan's Tim Lester are both alumni of their respective employers, bringing a new layer to the longstanding intrastate feud.

"(John) was the first one to send me a letter when I got the job," Lester said during Tuesday's MAC Media Day at Ford Field. "We're not supposed to be friends, but we are. When we see each other at these functions, his wife and my wife are the first ones to sit down and be talking for 25-30 minutes."

Don't get it twisted though - Lester is still focused on beating his rival on the field, especially after the Chippewas' 35-28 comeback win
last season in Kalamazoo.

"That game hurt me more than any game. I think we gave that game away, we didn't finish that game, but they won it. Give them all the credit in the world."